EFCC Drags Mercy Chinwo’s Ex-Manager Eezee Tee to Court Over Alleged $255,000 FX Violations
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned Ezekiel Onyedikachukwu, widely known as EeZee Tee and former manager of gospel singer Mercy Chinwo, before the Federal High Court in Lagos over alleged money laundering totaling $255,446.
Onyedikachukwu and his company, Eezee Global Concepts Ltd, are facing a seven-count amended charge involving unauthorized foreign exchange transactions and failure to disclose earnings — not the misappropriation of Chinwo’s funds as previously rumored.
Prosecuting counsel Bilikisu Buhari-Bala informed Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke that in June 2023, Onyedikachukwu negotiated a $52,895 foreign exchange deal with one Oladotun Mureke without obtaining authorization from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), violating the Foreign Exchange (Monitoring and Miscellaneous Provisions) Act.
Further charges allege unlicensed FX dealings and failure to report company earnings between 2022 and 2023, during which $255,436 was received.
Specifically, Count One accuses Onyedikachukwu and Eezee Global of negotiating a $52,895 FX transaction with Mr. Mureke, contrary to Sections 5 and 29(1)(c) of the Act, punishable under Section 29(2). Count Two details another alleged $70,000 FX transaction in March 2021 with Avalan Chetrase 13 07 Company.
Onyedikachukwu pleaded not guilty. While EFCC urged the court to remand him, his lawyer, Chikaosolu Ojukwu (SAN), applied for bail, citing the ill health of Onyedikachukwu’s two young children. Ojukwu also revealed that both parties are in talks for an out-of-court settlement.
However, EFCC opposed the bail, arguing that the defendant has a history of evading service. Buhari-Bala stated, “My lord, this defendant has been evading service… It is our firm position that he does not deserve to be granted bail.”
Justice Aneke adjourned ruling on the bail application to May 9, 2025, and temporarily released the defendant to his counsel. After the proceedings, EFCC operatives made an attempt to re-arrest Onyedikachukwu outside the courtroom but eventually let him go peacefully.
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